What an awesome way to wrap up my year 2022!
I had my debut photo exhibition, and what’s better than doing it in Soho House!! 😄
Thank you to everyone who came to support and see my work!

A few months ago, I was privileged to be selected to be a part of the Soho House Hong Kong x OWN Academy mentorship program and got matched with my mentor Hina Wainwright (my biggest takeaway from her was to take the initiative to network with other people! Inspired by her, I’ve started my 52 weeks networking challenge!)

My exhibition “Slow” explores and expresses the connections between time and relationship where I showcased photo series that I created in the format of days, weeks, and years!

Being a headshot and branding photographer (sometimes also event photographer), I’ve adapted to the fast-paced work environment (namely to create a set of photos in great quality in a short span of time, sometimes talking about prompt delivery).

Having that said, I still try my very best to pertain my initial value in photography throughout my career — taking things slow to create more than just a beautiful photo. It is very important for me to understand the intention of the photo shoot and the stories behind the subjects/event so that I could add more dimensions to the photos. Time also allows me more space to capture more decisive moments.

In the years ahead, I aspire to embark on more significant projects – completing long-term projects with NGOs, Social Enterprises, and University researchers.

If you are interested or know anyone who might be keen to collaborate, advice or feedback to support my work, or if you have questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, thank you!

Check out my personal work: vanlissa.com

Consume: When you run out of ideas, you consume
1. See what your potential clients are doing
2. See what people in your field are doing
3. Read articles/books, listen to podcasts, and watch videos on the topic that you are interested in
4. Movies and TV series for aesthetics, for human interactions, for learning different cultures

Create: Create when you feel like it, but sometimes you should also push yourself to sit down and create and be consistent
1. Create what you are good at
2. But you can also create something that is outside your specialty just to get inspired
3. You may even incorporate something new into your current skills!
4. Create an online space where people can find you (whether it be IG or personal website)

Connect: Connect with like-minded people, but also connect with people whom you never thought of wanting to meet, you never know what you can learn from them!
1. Go to networking events
2. Connect with people on LinkedIn and other social platforms

Connect: Also connect your then and now to tell your own story and find people that resonate with you!
1. Share your struggles and how you overcome them
2. Share your wins and what you’ve done to get there

Contact: What’s the point if you have a list of contacts and never reach out? Contact them! Create your opportunities!
1. Send a nice message to your clients and see what they are up to
2. Add a personal note when adding new LinkedIn connections to build genuine relationships
3. Don’t hesitate to reach out to people for help
4. Also reach out to people when you think you can help them